Flt. Sgt. Archibald Clarke Turner
Royal Air Force 7 Squadron
from:Christchurch, New Zealand
My Uncle Archie - Flight Sgt Archibald Clarke Turner was the Rear Gunner on a Lancaster Bomber which was shot down on 26 Nov 1943. While on a bombing raid to Berlin as a Pathfinder the Lancaster was attacked by a Lieutenant Walter of the 110th Night Fighter Squadron, he was flying a Messerschmitt 110. They were shot down between Mengerskirchen and Winkels in Germany, with only Archie and Pilot Office Ted Ansfield surviving the attack. I have read an account of the attack which was written by Ted Ansfield and his attempt to escape capture but unfortunately never had the chance to talk to my Uncle about his time in the Airforce.
I am aware they left from RAF Oakington which is where 7 Squadron was based. The crew consisted of six Englishmen & Archie who was a New Zealander.
I understand he was captured somewhere near Koblenz, Germany, his POW number was 263632. Archie passed away a number of years ago and I'm am sad to say I didn't know him very well, but am extremely proud of him.
- Pilot: F / O GA Beaumont, from London, England (fallen)
- Navigator: Sgt WA Meek, from Edinburgh, Scotland (fallen)
- Bombardier: P / O Ansfield, Ted, from Lancashire, England (captured)
- Flight Enginer: Sgt D. Ashworth, from Lancashire, England (fallen)
- Radio operator: F / S Wilson D. from London, England (fallen)
- Turret gunner: Sgt PJ Palmer, of London, England (fallen)
- Rear Gunner/Nav: F / S AC Turner, New Zealand (captured)
